Kingston entertainment, events and outdoors

Just wandering around Kingston is enough to fill your days, with so many sights, shopping areas and markets, places to eat and cultural venues. There's always something going on from brilliant productions, interesting classes and workshops, to active sports and big festivals.

Kingston University students often pop over to the Rotunda – an entertainment one-stop shop with a 14-screen Odeon cinema, restaurants and bars (Five Guys, Frankie & Benny's, Prezzo, Pizza Express, Frangos), a David Lloyd gym and Tenpin bowling alley. Chessington World of Adventures and Thorpe Park are also nearby.

Festivals and events

It's festival time throughout the year in Kingston with big, colourful, cultural and culinary events taking place in all seasons. In the summer enjoy the International Youth Arts Festival and the Kingston River Festival and Regatta featuring the famous Dragon Boat Race. Then in September the Kingston foodies come out for the Food Festival; ending the year is the big Christmas event with yuletide gatherings and performances.

Interested in sports activities and top sporting events? You'll feel right at home in Kingston, with endless opportunities to get outside and use the beautiful parks and riverside to stay fit and have fun: cycling, running, rowing or playing almost any sport of your choice. The University and the Kingston community also offer attractive options in sports clubs, facilities and fitness. Read more about sports in and around Kingston and London.

Enjoying Kingston outdoors

Enjoy the greenery, stunning riverside views and leisurely activities in Kingston and its surrounding areas. In the town centre get right on the river: walking along the Queen's Promenade, a lovely stretch along the river Thames or have a drink and a bite to eat on the waterfront.

Kingston is big on rowing (and festivals) with the Kingston Regatta and River Festival and the Dragon Boat Festival. Kingston University students and clubs are top competitors at both events, along with many Olympians.

Kingston's local parks

You'll never want for more space and fresh air here. Kingston's local parks include War Memorial Gardens, Fairfield Recreation Ground and Canbury Gardens – where you can enjoy music outdoors at the popular riverside summer concerts.

These are idyllic green spaces for taking a break, having a friendly game and enjoying cultural events. You also have access to the Richmond Park and Bushy Park for relaxing on the grass, having a picnic, lounging at the cafes and spotting the wildlife. You can get up and about with cycling, horse riding, rugby, swimming or playing tennis.